Blogs

How one Ramblers volunteer was the driving force behind transforming Rutland’s paths from ‘pretty rubbish’ to ‘some of the finest in the country’

When arthritis threatened to stop walk leader Chris in his tracks, he was worried he was going to have to stop walking. But, during the pandemic, he realised that it’s the experience – not the mileage – that’s the most important thing to him.

When I retired, I was looking for something to get involved with... I remembered that, in my youth, I’d spent a couple of satisfying sessions with the Scouts clearing an overgrown pathway.

At the Ramblers, we believe everyone, no matter what age or background, should have the chance to discover the joy of walking in the great outdoors. And that’s exactly what the brilliant ‘Out There Award’ that is delivered by Ramblers Scotland is all about.

A life-long campaigner for public paths and open spaces and a firm fixture at the Ramblers, Kate Ashbrook was particularly active in seeing the CROW Bill through Parliament. This is the second excerpt from the new book Walking Class Heroes, in which the lives of 20 pioneers of the Right to Roam are examined.

What is the first thing you think when you think of volunteers? Maybe it's all those people who volunteered at the Olympic Games or all those people out helping their neighbours during the current pandemic. Rachael Bayley, director of Operations and Volunteering, shares her thoughts when asked this question.

When one man joined the Ramblers a decade ago, he couldn’t possibly have imagined quite how much it would change his life. Or that he’d clock up 20,000 miles.

Oliver Taylor tells us about how he got involved with the Ramblers as a 15-year-old, his work as footpath secretary and walk leader for the Huddersfield Group and the importance of path maintenance work!

Presenting a national Volunteer Award to Brian Micklam from West Wiltshire for his work as footpath secretary and local action.

General Council is a pivotal moment in the Ramblers’ year. We must answer those big questions: how do we become more relevant to all Britain’s walkers, increase membership, fill our volunteer vacancies? General Council is the time to debate them.